Can supplementing vitamin B12 improve mental health outcomes?: a literature review.

AIM: This study reviews research into the effects of the supplementation of B12 in the prevention and recovery of mental illness, and the potentiation of psychotropic medication. METHODOLOGY: This literature review follows a systematic approach to searching databases CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, and PsycINFO where 287 non-duplicated articles results were received. Appropriate articles were identified through title and abstract screening and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Five articles were chosen to address the research question following critical appraisal. Thematic analysis was then conducted. FINDINGS: This review identified five randomised controlled trials into the supplementation of various doses of B12 in conjunction with folic acid and B6. The supplement was measured against post-stroke depression prevention, the reduction of symptoms of depression in woman with cardiovascular disease, the effect on negative symptoms in schizophrenia, the reduction and prevention of depression in older adults, and the potentiation of psychotropic interventions. The papers reviewed showed inconclusive results, but evidence to support sub-groups and specific high-risk groups. Strong evidence showed supplementation of B12, folic acid and B6 has high rates of preventing post-stroke depression. CONCLUSION: The findings show that this area of research is still to be developed. The effects of B12 supplementation with other B vitamins on mental health have shown to be inconclusive. There is a case for its use to be considered within certain patient groups to aid recovery of mental health or in some high-risk patient groups. Recommendations are made for further research into high-risk groups of people that may have symptoms or symptoms that could be improved through the supplementation of B12.

Prevalence of elder abuse: a narrative review.

Elder abuse, a pervasive and distressing phenomenon, continues to pose a significant challenge globally, affecting older adults across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This article provides an overview of the prevalence of elder abuse, highlighting its multifaceted nature, risk factors and the imperative need for intervention and prevention strategies. A synthesis of empirical studies, meta-analyses and reputable sources is used to delineate the prevalence rates and patterns of elder abuse across various geographical regions.

Simulation in nursing: the importance of involving service users.

The term 'service user' is an amorphous concept that can refer to a variety of groups. It refers to people who use or have used a service, or to the carers or parents of service users, or it can be used to refer to lay people, the public or non-professionals. It can also be used to refer to all or any combination of these. To maximise the potential of simulation, it is crucial to involve service users: their inclusion in the co-design of simulations, alongside patient educators and participatory decision-makers, provides invaluable input from a patient perspective. They also make an important contribution by portraying patients in the scenarios within which students interact, providing perspectives based on real-life experiences, offering students an insight into how patients could respond. Such an approach to designing simulations as part of nursing education will help develop professionals who are more patient-centred, culturally competent and more responsive to patient needs.

Understanding body fluid balance, dehydration and intravenous fluid therapy.

This article examines the role of water in the body, the balance of fluids in the body and the provision of intravenous (IV) fluids to patients who are dehydrated, providing a comprehensive overview of these topics for nurses. The author details various aspects of practice in IV fluid therapy, including the types of fluids used, their indications, administration and potential side effects. The article also discusses dehydration and how nurses can identify and treat this complication, which can occur as a result of many different conditions. Drawing on the relevant research, this article aims to advance nurses' knowledge of the care of patients who are dehydrated and require IV fluid therapy.